New finance director hired in St. Charles

An Aurora man currently employed as Plainfield's village administrator has been tapped to become the city of St. Charles' next finance director, officials announced Wednesday.

Chris Minick's hiring is expected to be approved by the city council April 7. He would replace Pam Colby -- a 25-year city hall veteran who is retiring April 18 -- at a starting annual salary of $130,000.

In a statement, St. Charles City Administrator Brian Townsend said Minick was chosen partly because of his "expertise of local government financial matters, professionalism and being articulate.

"He also has expressed a strong work ethic and a desire to focus on the financial issues and challenges that St. Charles faces," he said.

This is the latest in a recent series of hirings at city hall. Last September, Patrick Mullen was brought in to replace retiring Fire Chief Alan Schullo. In February, Beth Mund was hired as the city's first manager of community and public affairs.

Other transitions of the last year have to do with departures in the public works, engineering and economic development departments. The city also is working to replace Community Development Director Bob Hupp, who has held the position since 1984. This month Hupp announced his retirement, effective in June.

Minick is a 1990 graduate of St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind. He's worked for the village of Plainfield since 1997, moving through such positions as finance director and director of management services. He has a degree in accounting and finance.

Minick was one of 35 applicants who interviewed with numerous city officials, including council members, over the last six months.

"I am pleased to be joining the team at the city of St. Charles," Minick said in a statement. "During my interaction with the mayor, city council and staff, I was impressed by the amount of teamwork, cooperation, pride in the community, and level of professionalism."